Monday, November 10, 2014

Book review | Delhi Anything Goes by Anita Kumar

This book is about my Delhi, so I had to pick it up to read!

'Delhi Anything Goes' by Anita Kumar is about three friends - Zoya, Natasha, and Reema. These three friends grew up in Delhi in 1970s and 1980s and two move out of India to the US and the UK, leaving only one back in Delhi. The three friends reunite - in Delhi - as part of 25th wedding celebrations of the friend living in Delhi.

The friends who come to Delhi after a decade of staying away, find a vast change in the city. Not only in the landscape, but in people too. The difference in wealthy and poor is stark, and what's worse, the 'show-off'of wealth is almost sickening. The richer the people become, the display of international brands in terms of cars, purses, clothes is much higher.

What happened to displaying India? It seems a western lifestyle is getting displayed more than anything else.

However, with people getting richer in bank balances, they are equally poor in morals and ethics.

I have never liked any of the parties because I have never had any kind of addiction (neither alcohol, smoke, nor drugs) in my life - so, I never relate to these parties at all. For me, even the office parties meant hitting the dance floor and I could dance forever. I've not been to any 'high-society parties' so I couldn't tell whether what the author writes what happens in these parties is true or not. If it is true, then I am very happy to stay away from those parties.

Reading this, however, gives one-sided view about Delhi. Maybe Anita could have explored few other aspects too, such as the rich heritage that Delhi has over the centuries.

Rating: 2.5/5

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